YOUR VIEW: Slowing economy fuels need for donations

Friday

Dec 28, 2007 at 12:01 AM

It is that time of year when the many charities and nonprofit organizations make an annual appeal to raise the funding necessary to support their various endeavors. Most, if not all, of these organizations are dependent upon our region's generosity.

JOE MICHAUD

It is that time of year when the many charities and nonprofit organizations make an annual appeal to raise the funding necessary to support their various endeavors. Most, if not all, of these organizations are dependent upon our region's generosity.

As we are all becoming painfully aware, the economy is lagging, and its effect is being felt more keenly than ever. With ever-increasing job layoffs, work force reductions and foreclosures, it is apparent that this is no ordinary economic slowdown. Across the United States, charitable organizations are reporting that donations are down and need is growing. The SouthCoast is no different and in many ways faces an even greater challenge.

It is with these facts in mind that I am appealing directly to the many citizens of our area who are enjoying a decent standard of living to share in their good fortune by assisting the efforts of the many great charitable organizations that support so many in our area.

I am involved with the United Way of Greater New Bedford, which supports community groups and serves residents from across the region, from Dartmouth to Wareham. One in four of our residents were served by the United Way or its supported programs in the past year, and the United Way was instrumental in providing more than 2.5 million meals in our region through support of the Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts. Today, however, many food pantries are bare and many of our fellow citizens and their children are faced with common want of basic necessities like heating oil, adequate clothing and food.

The United Way and other charitable organizations are currently facing an increased challenge in their ability to continue to support the programs that are often the difference between a moderate degree of comfort and grinding poverty. Traditionally, most charities have received a large amount of their support through contributions from the private sector and through grants funded by larger companies. Many of the traditional manufacturing facilities have closed or reduced operations. So parenthetically, while unemployment is growing and the need for additional help rising, we have a shrinking donor base to call upon for additional assistance.

For that reason, I am appealing to individuals and other smaller businesses to contribute and support any of the many charitable organizations in the Greater New Bedford area. Whether you can give money, time or sundry items such as food, coats or clothing, rest assured that your help is needed now more than ever. The rising costs of fuel, food and housing concurrent with the decrease in jobs and economic opportunities have created a "perfect storm" of need.

While we will continue to call upon our traditional base of donors, your help is vital to ensure that the basic needs of our community continue to be met. It is only through your generosity that we can continue to serve our children, seniors, disabled and ultimately, all members of our community, and ensure that no one faces hunger or wants for basic items. A society is judged by how it treats its most unfortunate members. Let there be no mistake that ours is a society of warmth, decency and generosity.